INFLUENCES

GEOLOGICAL

The position of England may well be considered unique. England being an island with natural harbors, and lying opposite the rich and populous plains of Europe. It would be hazardous to lay too much stress upon the relations of England with the continental powers; but the relative cordiality of this country with France, or Holland, might be seen by some to be reflected in the architectural fashion of successive periods.

GEOLOGICAL

In the increase of population and cultivation of the land, the forests of Lancashire, Cheshire, Shropshire, and Herefordshire were reduced, and wood had been gradually disused as an external building material. The use of brick received a great impetus after the Fire of London, and was again brought in the prominence on the introduction of the Dutch Fashion, and thus “Flemish” bond, as a technical term, has its significance. Terra-cotta for ornamental details was introduced.

The Hall, Hatfield, Herts (gallery) CLIMATE

A great increase of warmth was found necessary as greater comfort was demanded, and the opening out of the great coal industry, by cheapening fuel, led to each room having a free place, and incidentally, to other features that did not complicate the architecture of the earlier periods.

RELIGION

In the early part of sixteenth century a stir in religious matters took place in Western Europe, partly on account of abuses having crept into the church, which the Popes failed to rectify. The suppression of the monasteries caused the diffusion of vast sums of money and land. Monasteries either fell into ruin or were converted into cathedral churches on the monastic foundation. Others were cleared away for the erection of houses according to the new style.

SOCIO & POLITICAL

The historical and other events which paved the way for the introduction of the Renaissance into England were many and significant. Some of these are: The Wars of the Roses (1455-1485) caused a terrible destruction of life, eighty princes of the blood being slain, while the ancient nobility was almost entirely annihilated, resulting in a period of architectural depression.

The extended use of gunpowder rendered ancient castles obsolete, and newer fortresses tended to become merely military posts, no longer habitable as palaces by a king, or as seats by the nobility.

The introduction of printing by Caxton (1476) powerfully aided the new movement, as the boarded knowledge of the world could then be disseminated, causing the enlargement of men’s ideas and the increased spread of knowledge throughout the country.

William Caxton 1476 500th Anniversary of British Printing Postage Stamp

Henry VII, and Edward VI employed part of the funds obtained from the suppression of the monasteries (1536-1540) to the erection and endowment of grammar schools and colleges, which play an important part in the development.

The reign of Elizabeth (A.D. 1558-1603) inaugurated the era of the erection of the great domestic mansions. Flemish and German workmen and weavers came to England ​

​in large numbers, settling in the eastern countries especially, thereby influencing the architecture of certain districts.

Finally, the wars against the Huguenots in France, and the Massacre of S. Bartholomew in A.D. 1572, led to the emigration of many skilled craftsmen to England, thus influencing very largely the efficient execution of the newly-imported Classic architecture.

HISTORY On the Field of the Cloth of Gold, was an event of some significance, bearing an important relation to the introduction of Renaissance art into England. Charles I.’s attempts to develop art were interrupted by the outbreak of Puritanism. Charles II was in the pay of Louis XIV, and England was much under the influence of French art. The growth of London proceeded rapidly, but art in the England slowly deteriorated, until the exhibition of 1851 marked commencement of a revival in all forms of art.

Staircase, Knole Kent